Make decisions before the clock starts
Send the lyrics or script, a reference and the intended use. Agree whether you need a lead, doubles, harmonies, multiple characters or several language versions. These are different workloads, even when the final piece is short.
Bring a usable playback
Provide a clearly labelled backing track and any cue version you need. If timing matters, include the tempo and a count-in. Tell the engineer which effects help the performance and which should remain only in the monitoring mix.
Listen for comfort and clarity
A comfortable headphone balance helps you judge pitch, timing and diction. Record a short test, listen for room reflections or unwanted noise, then adjust before committing to a full take.
Agree the handover
Ask whether comping, tuning, breath editing and dry file delivery are included. Keep lyric changes in one final document. These production notes draw on Paul White’s September 2013 Roland article on recording vocals and Angus Woodhead’s March 2013 recording checklist.